New Bedford teachers union, supporters call for reform re-think

Teachers and their supporters rallied Friday, calling on the superintendent to consider a less disruptive method of addressing the reform of New Bedford High School.

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By STEVE URBON

southcoasttoday.com

By STEVE URBON

Posted Jan. 18, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 18, 2014 at 5:34 AM

By STEVE URBON

Posted Jan. 18, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 18, 2014 at 5:34 AM

» Social News

NEW BEDFORD — Teachers and their supporters rallied in City Hall Square Friday afternoon, calling on the superintendent of schools to consider a less disruptive method of addressing the reform of New Bedford High School than one calling for the replacement of half the teachers.

But Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin told The Standard-Times that she intends to stick by her decision to follow the tougher model, which New Bedford Educators Association Vice President Charles Lepre told the crowd was "unproven and asinine."

Upwards of 300 people, the majority of whom were women — many dressed in red to symbolize union solidarity — packed City Hall Square on a cold late afternoon to protest what they consider "scapegoating" of teachers.

They were joined by a half dozen city councilors and former Mayor Scott Lang, who drew cheers from some of "We want Lang."

Many in the crowd held signs that read "Support New Bedford Teachers," or "If you can read this, thank a teacher."

The union rally's target was the superintendent's intentions for bringing the high school out of its Level 4 danger status, one step short of a state takeover.

Durkin has chosen the "turnaround" model, which calls for the replacement of half the teachers and staff, although Mayor Jon Mitchell later said that the actual number of jobs eliminated would be well short of that.

New Bedford Educators Association President Lou St. John was greeted by a chant of "Lou, Lou, Lou."

"I am a teacher and president of the New Bedford Educators Association. I graduated from New Bedford High. I am proud of my school," he said to cheers.

"What's being done with this turnaround plan is punishing the very people who have been asking for support for years," he said.

He said that firing so many teachers would be "irresponsible."

Dr. Durkin has chosen the "wrong turnaround," he said.

Mayor Mitchell said that he had a staffer approach St. John before the rally and ask him for permission for the mayor to speak. Mitchell said that St. John twice said "no."

"I am disappointed that Mr. St. John would not be open to what I have to say about teachers.

"I'm trying to open a constructive dialogue, and this indicates an unwillingness to have that dialogue."

St. John and other speakers advanced the "transformational" model, which does not call for massive teacher replacement. But recent results in Massachusetts indicate that the transformational model is not as effective.

Later, Durkin stood her ground as the decision-maker on this issue. "I've put forward the plan that's best going to meet the needs and conditions that the staff needs to address," she said. "We're staying with the turnaround model. It's a very serious decision. The model is going to give us the best opportunity for success."

Several city councilors attended the rally: Brian Gomes, David Alves, Henry Bousquet, Joseph Lopes, Jim Oliveira and Kerry Winterson. Steve Martins sent a message of support.

Jose Soler of the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Coalition to Save Our Schools said Durkin is the "superintendent that bullies teachers."

He decried what he called "corporate education reform."

Lang, who as mayor frequently clashed with supporters of standardized testing as a means of judging schools, was even more critical.

With the "bubble test system," he said, "education reform is dead." He called it a threat to democracy and to the future.

"MCAS is destroying the educational system," he said.

Lang also urged teachers to end the union's boycott of businesses and organizations that have expressed public support of Durkin and the need to improve education in New Bedford. He urged a resumption of civil debate, eliciting a cheer from the rally.

Later, NBEA Vice President Lepre read a list of dozens of other unions, mostly teachers unions, that have offered their support to the NBEA. Many of the signs carried by the ralliers were "thank you" messages for other unions across the state.